I Choose You

Ch 2 : The Vow

When Draco had come to her three days later, telling her he needed her help, she had not known what to expect. In truth, Hermione had assumed that within a day of their previous talk, he would be coming to her and banging down her door, ready to either confess the truth of his father or to finally kiss her once more. She had dreamed of his kiss that night, dreamed of his hands touching her again, of his hands sliding lower.

But the next morning, he had said nothing, his jaw hard and his eyes drawn together, as though deep in thought. It was the same the next day, and the day after that, continuing on until now.

She had risen immediately from her books and studies without a second thought, walking towards him, ready to reach a handout, but he shook his head and stepped around her, towards the large wardrobe that his mother had filled after their wedding. "We're meeting others. And it's important."

It took a moment for Hermione to look him over, to take in his current attire. Draco always looked well dressed and refined, unless of course, he had just come from Quidditch practice, but this was formal enough for dinner at the Manor, certainly too much for Hogwarts on a Wednesday. She had not even changed from her uniform, only having kicked off her shoes. Something important... she followed up, looking at a few items, trying to channel Narcissa Malfoy. Something dark, perhaps, and warm given the late hour. The castle was sure to be cold.

She felt it suddenly, his hand at her waist again, and his chest pressing to her back. Hermione froze, feeling the sturdiness of him, something so very real after their kiss a few days prior, and it took her a moment to realize that he was reaching around her into the closet, selecting one of the dresses that had been reserved in case they were to visit somewhere that they would need to be seen, straight from school. He even pulled one of her thicker cloaks out as well.

"Come quickly, and dress in boots. We have a long walk."

Hermione wasted no time, pulling on the knee-length long-sleeved dress, quickly using a charm to draw the strings in the back to make it slightly more form-fitting. Her school tights stayed on, but she traded for boots, and used another charm to pull her hair back into a low chignon. There was no telling what he would need her help with, so she did not want a strand in her eyes. Besides, given the teases in their younger years, she suspected he hated her hair when it was down and wild.

Stepping out from her room, she saw her husband standing before the fireplace, shoulders tense, even more so than the other night. Whatever was going on, whatever stress had been placed upon him, it was weighing heavily now, as though he were on the verge of collapse. Still, his teeth were clenched and his jaw set, a sign that he had made a decision, whatever it was. Hermione just had to hope that she could stomach it, live with it. They were bonded for life, after all, and he was her only way of staying in the magical world. Whatever it was that was happening... she would handle it, one step at a time.

After all, she had already climbed aboard with him, and hoisted the sails. It looked as though tonight, they would be headed out to sea, together. She had to be grateful that, after her little speech the other night, he was not leaving her behind.

Approaching him, Hermione cleared her throat slightly, catching his attention. He turned and gave her a look over, but something softened in him as she stopped before him, waiting for approval. There was some sadness there as well, and then he gave a nod, turning and offering his arm to her. She took it, and let him lead her out into the hall.

It was dark and quiet as per normal, given that they were the only couple to start the school year wed. Most waited until Christmas Hols if not Easter itself, although many were wed on Graduation Day. It meant that the set of suites for wedded couples were all otherwise empty. It meant they had no surprises as he took her through the halls, down hidden staircases, and out a private entrance that was to allow them privacy.